Working with Leather at the County Museum

On Wednesday, July 17, visitors to the San Bernardino County Museum will have the chance to work with leather and learn about the history of leatherwork in California. The activity, part of the museum’s Avoid Summer Brain Drain program, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is included with paid museum admission.

Chuck England, owner of Tandy Leather Company in San Bernardino, will offer visitors a leatherwork activity and present leather history using real cattle hides, rawhides and treated leather goods.

“We’re so excited to offer this program to our visitors”, said Jolene Redvale, the museum’s curator of education. “This is a generous offer from a member of our local community, interested in sharing knowledge about the significance of leather products in California’s history.”

Visitors will be invited to make a keychain fob using leatherworking tools and their own creative style. Additional activities on Wednesday will include art-making and boards games appropriate for the whole family. England will be back again to offer the program to visitors on Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“For those looking for a deeper museum experience, the leatherwork presentation and activity will also be offered as part of session 5 of our popular summer day camp, Playing with History, July 29 through August 2,” said Redvale, “for which space is still available.” The cost for the week-long session, targeted for kids ages 7 to 12, is $155 for non-members and $135 for members. A flyer and registration form is available at the museum’s website, www.sbcounty.gov/museum.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sb countymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.